Change, Learn to deal with this unchangeable reality in your professional life

The catchphrase for Obama's (now successful) election campaign was "Change", and the fact that it worked means Americans welcomed the idea of change. On individual level, we tend to approve of change when the proceedings are not good, and quite understandably we are annoyed when this inevitable comes at a time when everything was going smooth. So … is the change really bad or something good? Searching for the answer of this question is ineffectual, because whether good or bad, change is inescapable. Besides, the answer to this question (if the change is good or bad) depends on how good we are at dealing with change.

We can't control the universe, that's it:
Even though, we'd feel in control of the events in our lives at times, the fact is that things get out of control in no time and we are left with this unsympathetic reality that we are helpless (as far as the happening goes). But, we are absolutely in charge of our reaction and that's what really matters. Sometimes we distance ourselves from positive changes just because they are enforced upon us, or they seem to pull us out of our comfort zones. So the first step towards handling the change in a more positive way is to evaluate instead of rejecting instantaneously.

Look at the change as an opportunity:
Sometimes you get into some competition and find out that no matter how hard you try, you can't beat the old, experienced and established players, because they are just so comfortable with the techniques or procedures. Change can prove to be a blessing in these situations, a change in rules, introduction of some new technology or installation of new software, changes like these mean everybody has to start from the scratch. This is the time where you can create some sort of supremacy over others, but only if you were ready to embrace change. Sometimes we are too perplexed by the change that we fail to see the opportunity lying within the change.

Don't underestimate your potential:
We are much more capable of adapting to changes than what we assume of ourselves. (If we were not, we'd have vanished from the face of earth like those monstrous dinosaurs). On a more serious note, it's not that hard to adapt in most circumstances, all you need is to have some flexibility and focus. It’s quite possible that after sometime you’ll feel that you are much more comfortable with the new settings or situation.

Carrying out marketing for different types of customers

Customers can be divided into different categories according to their decision making patterns. They have different sets of priorities and their own different reasons to buy or reject any given product. It is vital for a marketing professional or sales person to understand these types and to approach different customers in a slightly modified manner. Memorizing same sales pitch for every customer and repeating it to customer after customer is not the ideal way to go. You will soon be frustrated due to lack of sales. To avoid such situations, you should go through some research and come up with a marketing plan that will be able to accommodate all types of customers.

Some basic types of customers are described below.

Loyal customers:

A marketer's (or sales person's) dream coming true, this loyal group of customers is devoted to your brand. Not only they make repeated purchases, they also influence others to try your brand. They may be small in numbers but the bigger part of sales still comes from the same category. When trying to attract new customer, do not make the mistake (rather blunder) of ignoring your old dedicated clients. Do not make unexpected changes in your product or services because it may upset the existing ones.

Price conscious consumers:

Not necessarily, but normally these customers belong to the middle class, and most of their buying decisions are initiated by low prices. Even if they are making repeated purchases, they cannot be considered as loyal customers. They are only loyal to their mantra and that is to pay the least possible amount. You can attract this group of customers through some special bargains or discount offers but trying to retain these customers by continuously offering low prices for all of your products is not viable.

Status conscious clients:

Another important type, and more profitable too when handled properly. They normally comes from the upper or elite class, they have the riches to look around and get their hands on the most stylish, unique or expensive item. At times, they'd spend quite an amount just to be the first one to get hold of some product. In short they don't mind spending as long as are getting something of excellent quality and value in return.

Self-confident assertive customers:

This is hard to impress, unyielding category of consumers. You cannot tempt them into making a purchase unless they already need something badly. That is why; it's not very productive to spend so much time, trying to convince them. They'll buy when they feel like it; otherwise they won't spend a penny.